There’s nothing quite like the charm of a you-pick farm. Whether it’s fresh strawberries in June, vibrant sunflowers in August, or pumpkins in the fall, inviting people to wander your property and harvest their own goods creates a memorable, hands-on experience. But as welcoming as these farms feel, there’s a side to the business that’s far less picturesque: liability and financial risk.
If you run a you-pick operation in Ontario, it’s important to understand why standard home or hobby farm insurance won’t give you the full protection you need – and what type of coverage can safeguard both your livelihood and your guests.
Why Liability Coverage Matters
When customers step onto your farm, you take on a responsibility for their safety. Paths can be uneven, tools like shears and baskets can cause injury, and bees, wasps, or uneven weather can lead to accidents. Even with the most careful preparation, things can happen – and without proper insurance, you could be left personally responsible for medical costs or legal claims.
Commercial General Liability (CGL) insurance is designed to cover these risks, helping pay for legal defense and settlements if a guest is hurt or their property is damaged while visiting. For a you-pick farm, it’s one of the most important pieces of protection you can have.
Protecting the Products You Sell
You-pick farms aren’t just offering a service, they’re also selling goods. This opens the door to product liability risks, which cover claims related to the items you sell. Imagine a customer has an allergic reaction to something in a bouquet or claims illness from produce. Product liability coverage can help manage these situations without devastating your finances.
The Importance of Property and Equipment Coverage
Running a you-pick farm often means investing in more than just crops. Barns, greenhouses, refrigeration units, cash registers, and even simple hand tools are essential to your operation. If a storm damages your property or equipment is stolen, repairs and replacements can be costly. Farm property insurance helps ensure you can recover quickly and continue operating without major interruptions.
Seasonal and Agritourism Considerations
Many you-pick farms operate seasonally, which can influence how insurers classify your business. In some cases, you may need a seasonal policy or an agritourism endorsement to ensure you’re fully covered for public events, workshops, or photo opportunities you offer alongside the harvest. The key is to be transparent with your insurance advisor about exactly how you run your farm so your policy matches your actual risk exposure.
_
You-pick farms bring joy to families and connect communities to local agriculture in a way few businesses can match. But that joy comes with responsibility. Having the right insurance – from liability protection to property and product coverage – means you can focus on creating those memorable experiences without constantly worrying about what could go wrong.
If you operate or are planning to start a you-pick farm in Ontario, our advisors can walk you through coverage options tailored to your property, products, and operations. Contact us today to learn how we can help you protect your farm and the people who enjoy it.
